500 Loaders

Bobcat Company introduces the 500 frame-size skid-steer and compact track loaders. The seven new medium-size machines provide operators with extensive feature upgrades, including increased visibility, a more comfortable cab, and easier serviceability. All seven models began limited production in September, with full availability at dealerships in January.

New machines include the S510, S530, S550, S570, and S590 skid-steer loaders, and the T550 and T590 compact track loaders. The S510, S550, and T550 feature a radius lift path, providing operators the reach and visibility they require for dumping over a wall, backfilling, or loading flatbed trucks.

The S530, S570, S590, and T590 models feature a vertical lift path, providing operators the ability to lift heavier loads higher, making it easier to clear high-sided truck boxes and hoppers, as well as placing pallets loaded with heavy material. The M-Series vertical lift path machines feature an increased lift height over the equivalent K-Series models.

The 500 frame-size loaders replace the current K-Series models, S150, S160, S175, S185, S205, T180, and T190. A loaders’ unique cab-forward design moves the operator closer to the attachment and provides unmatched visibility in all directions.

A largest cab door opening offers superior visibility to the cutting edge of the bucket or the corners of an attachment. The cab door threshold has been lowered, and the overall surface of the door has increased more than 40% to provide improved visibility and make it easier for operators to enter and exit the cab. The height of the cab has been increased, providing additional headroom, while still keeping the overall machine size small enough to operate in tight spaces.

Windows on the sides and rear of the cab have also been increased in size to provide more visibility to the tires and back of the machine. The larger top window makes it for the operator to see an attachment with the lift arms raised, an advantage when loading trucks or performing other tasks.

The auxiliary hydraulic quick couplers are mounted directly to the front plate of the lift arm to provide a solid mounting, and hoses are routed through the loader arms for better protection. A guard bar extends in front of the coupler for added security and a steel tailgate prevents items from penetrating the engine compartment.

Keeping the loaders cool when working long hours is important in prolonging the service life of the machine. The cooling system on the 500 loaders is designed for increased efficiency and higher performance. The new design also makes it easier to clean out the cooling system, with an oil cooler that swings up, allowing the operator to clean the area between the oil cooler and the radiator.

For operator comfort, Bobcat increased the size of the 500 loader cab by 10%, redesigned the interior to allow operators to adjust the environment to their individual preferences, and improved cab pressurization.

QuickLook: Bobcat S510 skid-steer loader